2 Chronicles 17 5

2 Chronicles 17:5 kjv

Therefore the LORD stablished the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents; and he had riches and honor in abundance.

2 Chronicles 17:5 nkjv

Therefore the LORD established the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah gave presents to Jehoshaphat, and he had riches and honor in abundance.

2 Chronicles 17:5 niv

The LORD established the kingdom under his control; and all Judah brought gifts to Jehoshaphat, so that he had great wealth and honor.

2 Chronicles 17:5 esv

Therefore the LORD established the kingdom in his hand. And all Judah brought tribute to Jehoshaphat, and he had great riches and honor.

2 Chronicles 17:5 nlt

So the LORD established Jehoshaphat's control over the kingdom of Judah. All the people of Judah brought gifts to Jehoshaphat, so he became very wealthy and highly esteemed.

2 Chronicles 17 verses

2 Chronicles 17 5 Meaning

2 Chronicles 17:5 describes the immediate divine blessings and tangible rewards for King Jehoshaphat's earlier obedience. Because he faithfully followed the LORD and sought His guidance, God secured his reign and solidified the kingdom of Judah in his control. Consequently, all the people of Judah freely brought tribute and gifts, recognizing his legitimate and blessed rule. As a direct result of God's favor and the nation's support, Jehoshaphat attained vast wealth and esteemed prestige in abundance.

2 Chronicles 17 5 Context

2 Chronicles 17 begins the narrative of King Jehoshaphat's reign over Judah, immediately following the brief and unstable reigns of his father Asa's later years and previous kings. The chapter first highlights Jehoshaphat's decisive spiritual reforms: he fortified Judah against Israel, did not seek the Baals, but sought the God of his father David, keeping His commandments and removing high places and Asherim from Judah (verses 1-4). This verse (17:5) directly presents the divine consequence and tangible outcome of this devotion. The establishment of his kingdom, the unified allegiance of Judah, and his immense wealth and honor are portrayed as direct results of his covenant faithfulness, a stark contrast to the often tumultuous and idolatrous reigns of the northern kingdom of Israel during this period. The verse underscores the foundational Old Testament principle that national blessing and stability stem from obedience to the LORD.

2 Chronicles 17 5 Word analysis

• "Therefore" (וַיָּכֶן - vayyakhen from וַ - wa- "and" and כּוּן - kun): This is a consecutive verb, indicating that what follows is a direct consequence of what was stated previously (Jehoshaphat seeking God, keeping His commands, and removing idolatry, 2 Chron 17:3-4). It signifies divine response to human action.

• "the LORD" (יְהוָֹה - YHWH): The personal, covenant name of God. Emphasizes that it is the specific God of Israel, the one Jehoshaphat sought, who is actively establishing the kingdom, highlighting His sovereign involvement.

• "established" (וַיָּכֶן - vayyakhen from כּוּן - kun): Hebrew verb meaning "to make firm," "to set up," "to secure," "to make ready." Here, it denotes God's powerful act of solidifying and securing Jehoshaphat's throne and royal authority, preventing any challenges to his rule.

• "the kingdom" (הַמַּמְלָכָה - hammamlakhah): Refers specifically to the southern kingdom of Judah, as distinguished from the northern kingdom of Israel. This term encompasses the entirety of the monarchy, its stability, and its influence.

• "in his hand" (בְּיָדוֹ - b'yado): A common idiom meaning under his control, in his power, or entrusted to him. God placed the reins of government firmly in Jehoshaphat's capable stewardship, empowering his leadership.

• "and all Judah" (וְכָל-יְהוּדָה - v'khol-Yehudah): "All Judah" indicates a unified and complete allegiance from the entire populace, including their leaders and subjects. There was no internal dissent or rebellion, testifying to the strength and widespread acceptance of his reign, empowered by divine favor.

• "brought" (מַשָּׂאת - masā't related to נָשָׂא - nāśā'): Implies the act of carrying or lifting, conveying, and presenting. It's an active display of submission and respect.

• "presents" (מִנְחָה - minchah): This Hebrew term can mean a grain offering, a gift, or a tribute. In this context, it signifies a non-monetary gift or tribute given to a superior or king, representing loyalty, submission, and often valuable goods. This signifies economic stability and voluntary submission rather than taxation by force.

• "to Jehoshaphat" (לִיהוֹשָׁפָט - lihoshāfāt): The king, whose name means "Yahweh has judged" or "Yahweh is judge." His name resonates with the theological emphasis on divine justice and judgment underpinning his reign's prosperity.

• "and he had" (וַיְהִי-לוֹ - vay'hi-lô): Literally "and it was to him," indicating possession or outcome.

• "riches" (עֹשֶׁר - ʿōšer): Abundant wealth, material possessions, prosperity. In the biblical context, this is often viewed as a sign of God's blessing, especially when obtained righteously.

• "and honor" (וְכָבוֹד - vĕkhāvōd): Glory, prestige, esteem, reputation. It reflects not just internal respect but also external recognition and influence among surrounding nations. It's the dignified status accorded to one by God and man.

• "in abundance" (וְלָרוֹב - vĕlārov): A quantitative term signifying "much," "many," "greatly," "plenty," or "super-abundance." It emphasizes the overflowing, exceedingly great extent of Jehoshaphat's wealth and esteem, going beyond mere sufficiency.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "Therefore the LORD established the kingdom in his hand": This phrase highlights God's active, sovereign involvement in governance. It wasn't Jehoshaphat's political acumen or military strength alone, but the divine hand that secured his position and validated his authority, transforming his rule into a stewardship from God.
  • "and all Judah brought presents to Jehoshaphat": This signifies unified national support and economic flourishing. The willing tribute from the people demonstrates that Jehoshaphat's rule was legitimate and acknowledged by his subjects, leading to internal stability and wealth concentration at the royal court. It also reflects a thriving economy capable of producing such offerings.
  • "and he had riches and honor in abundance": This denotes the tangible and holistic result of God's blessing and national prosperity. It encompasses not only material wealth but also respect, influence, and a high standing in the eyes of others, portraying Jehoshaphat as a blessed and formidable king.

2 Chronicles 17 5 Bonus section

• The prosperity described in this verse (riches and honor) is not the cause of Jehoshaphat's obedience but its result. This sequence is crucial for understanding the Old Testament covenant blessings.
• The phrase "established the kingdom in his hand" (כּוּן בְּיָדוֹ - kun b'yado) points to God making Jehoshaphat a legitimate and effective steward of the divine trust, contrasting with usurpers or kings who seized power by might alone.
• Jehoshaphat's name, meaning "Yahweh has judged" or "Yahweh is judge," resonates deeply with the outcome described. His adherence to God's judgments (laws and ways) led to God's favorable judgment upon his reign.
• This verse provides an important theological anchor for the Chronicler's narrative: righteousness (seen in Jehoshaphat's seeking God and removing idolatry) yields blessing (established kingdom, riches, honor), while wickedness leads to trouble and judgment (as seen in many other kings in Chronicles).

2 Chronicles 17 5 Commentary

2 Chronicles 17:5 powerfully illustrates a core principle of divine governance: covenantal faithfulness leads to tangible blessing and secure authority. Jehoshaphat's initial devotion—turning from idolatry and diligently seeking the LORD, like King David in his faithful walk—prompted the LORD Himself to actively establish his reign. This divine establishment meant security against internal strife and external threats. The "presents" from "all Judah" indicate more than just economic tribute; they signify the deep loyalty, unity, and submission of a people under a divinely appointed and blessed king, creating internal stability and fostering prosperity. The culmination in "riches and honor in abundance" serves as a visible sign of God's favor and the practical outcome of Jehoshaphat's wise and godly leadership. It’s a biblical endorsement that righteous living and leadership are not devoid of earthly benefits, as God often blesses those who prioritize His will. This verse teaches that God not only approves of, but actively secures and prospers, the reigns of leaders who faithfully honor Him, manifesting as political stability, national unity, and abundant provision. For believers, this is a spiritual parallel: pursuing God's ways leads to divine affirmation, spiritual provision, and a life rich in God's grace and blessings, far surpassing material gain alone.